Travel Gilgit Baltistan: Complete Guide to Itinerary, Packages & Safety
Everything you need to plan travel to Gilgit Baltistan — best places to visit in Hunza and Skardu, tour packages, travel advisory, maps, luxury options and tourist police contacts.
Why Travel to Gilgit Baltistan?
Travel Gilgit Baltistan and you enter a land of superlatives: five of the world’s fourteen 8,000-metre peaks — including K2 (8,611 m) and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) — plus turquoise lakes, 700-year-old forts, and the legendary Karakoram Highway. Whether you want a budget road trip or luxury travel in Gilgit Baltistan, this northern Pakistan region delivers scenery that rivals the Swiss Alps at a fraction of the cost.
From the cherry blossoms of Hunza in spring to the golden poplars of October and the ski slopes of Naltar in winter, there is no wrong season to travel to Gilgit Baltistan. Before you go, check the official Gilgit Baltistan tourism department website for permits, events and the latest visitor information.
Best Places to Visit When You Travel Gilgit Baltistan
1. Hunza Valley & Karimabad
The most famous stop on any travel Gilgit Baltistan itinerary. Visit Baltit Fort (700+ years old, restored with support from the Aga Khan Development Network) and Altit Fort with its royal gardens, shop the Karimabad bazaar, and watch sunset over Rakaposhi from Eagle’s Nest in Duikar.
2. Attabad Lake
Formed by a 2010 landslide, this 21-km turquoise lake is now Hunza’s top attraction. Enjoy boating, jet skiing and ziplining, or simply photograph the dramatic cliffs rising from its electric-blue water.
3. Skardu & Shangrila Lake
The gateway to K2. Explore Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake), the Cold Desert at Katpana — one of the highest deserts on Earth — Satpara Lake, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, and the Deosai Plains (open late May to October).
4. Naltar Valley
Just 40 km from Gilgit city, Naltar is famous for its colorful fish-filled lakes, pine forests, and Pakistan’s best ski resort. A perfect day trip when planning places to visit in Gilgit city area.
5. Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat
Trek from Raikot Bridge to Fairy Meadows for the most iconic view of Nanga Parbat, the “Killer Mountain.” Jeep to Tato village, then a 2-3 hour hike to the meadows. Book huts in advance for summer.
More Must-See Attractions
- Khunjerab Pass (4,733 m) — the world’s highest paved border crossing and a full-day excursion from Hunza
- Passu Cones & Hussaini Suspension Bridge — the most photographed peaks and bridge in Pakistan
- Deosai National Park — “Land of Giants,” home to Himalayan brown bears and Sheosar Lake
- Hopper Glacier (Nagar) — the most accessible glacier viewpoint in the region
- Gulmit & Gojal villages — Wakhi culture, Ondra fort stairs and Borith Lake
7-Day Travel Gilgit Baltistan Itinerary
This optimized route covers the highlights without exhausting driving days. Extend to 10 days by adding Fairy Meadows and Naltar Valley. If you only have 3–4 days, see our shorter Hunza weekend itinerary.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad → Gilgit (flight) → Karimabad | Rakaposhi viewpoint, Karimabad bazaar, Eagle’s Nest sunset |
| 2 | Karimabad | Baltit Fort, Altit Fort & Royal Garden, water channel walk |
| 3 | Karimabad → Attabad → Gulmit | Attabad Lake boating, Hussaini Bridge, Passu Cones, Borith Lake |
| 4 | Gulmit → Khunjerab Pass → Gulmit | Khunjerab National Park, marmots & yaks, Pakistan-China border |
| 5 | Gulmit → Gilgit → Skardu | Drive via the Indus gorge; evening at Skardu bazaar |
| 6 | Skardu | Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, Cold Desert (Katpana) sunset |
| 7 | Skardu → Shigar/Khaplu → return | Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque, Manthokha Waterfall |
Travel Gilgit Baltistan Packages & Costs (2026)
Most travelers book travel Gilgit Baltistan packages from Islamabad, Lahore or Rawalpindi. Here are typical price ranges per person — for a detailed breakdown, read our complete Gilgit Baltistan trip cost guide.
| Package Type | Duration | Estimated Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget group tour (bus, shared jeep) | 5–7 days | 25,000 – 45,000 |
| Standard private package (SUV, 3-star hotels) | 7 days | 60,000 – 110,000 |
| Luxury private package (Serena/heritage forts) | 7–10 days | 150,000 – 400,000+ |
Choosing a Travel Agency in Gilgit Baltistan
Reputable operators have offices in Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu, plus partner desks in Rawalpindi (Satellite Town and Raja Bazaar areas are hubs for northern areas agencies). When comparing a travel agency in Gilgit Baltistan, verify: PTDC/GB tourism registration, recent Google reviews, inclusions (4×4 jeeps for Naltar/Khunjerab/Deosai), and whether guides are licensed by the Gilgit Baltistan tourism department.
Luxury Travel Gilgit Baltistan
Luxury travel in Gilgit Baltistan has improved dramatically. Top-tier options include:
- Serena Shigar Fort Residence — 17th-century Raja’s palace converted into a heritage hotel
- Khaplu Palace (Serena) — the most atmospheric stay in Baltistan
- Hunza Serena Inn & Roomy/Fortresses-view boutique hotels in Karimabad with Rakaposhi views
- Private 4×4 expeditions with chef-prepared meals to Deosai and Khunjerab
How to Reach Gilgit Baltistan
- By air: Daily PIA flights Islamabad → Gilgit and Islamabad → Skardu (weather-dependent; book early for window seats on the left side for mountain views).
- By road via Karakoram Highway (N-35): Islamabad → Abbottabad → Naran/Babusar Pass (open June–October) → Chilas → Gilgit (~16–18 hours). Babusar route is shorter and scenic; the KKH via Besham runs year-round.
- By bus: NATCO and private luxury coaches depart Islamabad (Faizabad) and Rawalpindi nightly for Gilgit and Skardu.
Is It Safe to Travel to Gilgit Baltistan? Travel Advisory & Tourist Police
Gilgit Baltistan is one of the safest regions in Pakistan for tourists. Crime against visitors is extremely rare, communities are famously hospitable, and the region has a dedicated tourist police force. Anyone planning to travel Gilgit Baltistan should still read our full travel advisory for Gilgit Baltistan before departure.
- Register with the tourist police on arrival in major towns
- Carry your CNIC (Pakistani nationals) or passport + visa (foreigners) at all times
- Foreigners may need an NOC for Khunjerab Pass and certain border areas — arrange via your travel agency
- Avoid night driving on mountain roads; landslides are common after rain
- Book hotels in advance for July–August peak season
Note on Indian travelers: Indian passport holders cannot currently travel to Gilgit Baltistan due to visa and territorial restrictions between India and Pakistan.
Places to Visit in Gilgit City
Most travelers rush through Gilgit — don’t. Spend a day exploring:
- Kargah Buddha — 7th-century rock-carved Buddha in the Kargah Valley, 10 km west of town
- Gilgit Bazaar — dry fruits, handicrafts and the famous cooperative store with Chinese goods
- Danyore Suspension Bridge & Chinese Graveyard — local engineering marvel and Silk Road history
- Gilgit River viewpoints — where the Gilgit and Hunza rivers meet
- GB Tourism Information Center — pick up an official Gilgit Baltistan map and permits
Gilgit Baltistan Map & Key Distances
| Route | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gilgit → Karimabad (Hunza) | 100 km | ~2.5 hrs |
| Karimabad → Attabad Lake | 25 km | ~45 min |
| Karimabad → Khunjerab Pass | 180 km | ~4 hrs one way |
| Gilgit → Skardu (S-1) | 200 km | ~4 hrs |
| Skardu → Deosai Plains | 65 km | ~2.5 hrs (4×4) |
| Gilgit → Naltar Valley | 40 km + jeep | ~2.5 hrs |
| Islamabad → Gilgit (KKH) | 500 km | 14–18 hrs |
Download the official tourist guide map from the Gilgit Baltistan tourism department website before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to Gilgit Baltistan
Is it safe to travel to Gilgit Baltistan?
Yes. Gilgit Baltistan is widely regarded as the safest region in Pakistan for tourists, with a dedicated tourist police force (dial 1422) and low crime rates. The main risks are weather-related: road landslides and flight cancellations.
Can foreigners travel to Gilgit Baltistan?
Yes, with a valid Pakistan visa. Some border areas like Khunjerab Pass may require an NOC permit, which most travel agencies in Gilgit Baltistan arrange in 1–2 days.
Can Indians travel to Gilgit Baltistan?
No — Indian citizens are not permitted to travel to Gilgit Baltistan under current India–Pakistan visa policies, and the region’s disputed status adds further restrictions.
What is the best time to visit Gilgit Baltistan?
May to October for most destinations; April for cherry blossoms in Hunza; October for autumn colors; December–February for Naltar skiing. Deosai is only open late May to late October. See our best time to visit Hunza guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
How much does a Gilgit Baltistan trip cost?
Budget group tours start around PKR 25,000–45,000 per person for 5–7 days; standard private packages run PKR 60,000–110,000; luxury heritage-hotel packages start around PKR 150,000 per person.